22 Nigerian student-athletes have qualified for the finals of the prestigious 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, set to hold from June 11 to 14 at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon.
Hailing from 15 universities across the United States, these athletes represent not only their schools but also the incredible potential of Nigerian youth on the global stage. From sprints to jumps, hurdles to relays, these stars are putting Nigeria’s green-white-green in the spotlight.
Kayinsola Ajayi (Auburn) scorched the track with a 9.95s finish in the 100m and led his 4x100m team to a blazing 38.51s.
Israel Okon (Auburn) followed up with a personal best of 10.13s to make his first finals.
Tima Godbless (LSU), a two-time African champion, qualified in the 100m (11.11s), 200m (22.68s), and 4x100m relay (42.85s).
🏃🏽♂️ Quarter-Mile Powerhouses
Samuel Ogazi (Alabama), one of the NCAA’s top 400m runners, clocked 44.43s and led his 4x400m team to 3:02.78.
Ella Onojuvwevwo (LSU) ran a season-best 50.99s and also starred in the 4x400m (3:29.55).
Favour Onyah (Southeastern Louisiana) qualified with a 51.94s finish.
Ezekiel Nathaniel (Baylor), Nigeria’s 400mH specialist, ran 49.03s and powered his relay team in 3:05.33.
Adaobi Tabugbo (UCF) impressed with 12.95s in the 100mH and added strength to her 4x100m team.
Charles Godfred (Minnesota) soared to 8.10m in long jump; Prestina Ochonogor (Tarleton) followed with 6.66m.
Temitope Adeshina (Texas Tech) cleared 1.84m in high jump with ease.
Vincent Ugwoke (South Florida) dominated the discus with a 59.89m throw.
Nigeria’s presence dominates relays:
James Onwuka (Penn State), Chioma Nwachukwu (Iowa), Esther Joseph (Tennessee), Mercy Umoibang (Texas Tech), and Opeyemi Oke (Auburn) are all key 4x400m contributors.
Faith Okwose and Elo Okpah (Tennessee) helped secure a fast 43.70s in the 4x100m.
This impressive showing not only positions Nigeria as a track powerhouse in the making but also underscores the immense potential lying within the country’s young talents — many of whom came through grassroots and junior-level competitions in Africa before blossoming in U.S. college programs.
From elite universities like LSU, Auburn, Alabama, and Minnesota, to emerging programs like Tarleton and Southeastern Louisiana, Nigerian athletes are flying the flag high and proud.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics in view and global eyes on collegiate athletics, these athletes aren’t just running for school medals — they’re racing for national pride and future greatness.
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